SPOT IT: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Recreate your most flattering light with these innovative new powders.

There’s a reason you love that sunset photo of you in Cabo—and it’s not just because you’re longing for poolside cocktails in the depths of winter. As any good photographer can tell you, it’s not just the R&R that made you look so good—it’s actually the stream of gorgeous golden sunlight giving your complexion a healthy, sunkissed glow. “You can enhance skin’s color and tone with lighting,” says London-based beauty photographer Elise Dumontet. Luckily, Hourglass’s new Ambient Lighting Powders mimic the glow of warm sunsets, cool moonlight, and more. We chatted with Dumontet to break down the lighting inspirations behind the six universally flattering shades.

THE SCENARIO: EARLY MORNING DAYBREAKTRY: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused LightWHY: “Instead of bright direct light, pale yellow softens the color of skin and cancels out red tones,” Dumontet says.BONUS: To recreate diffused light at home, add a sheer white curtain to filter out harsh sunlight that can wash out your skintone.

THE SCENARIO: MOONLIT NIGHT
TRY: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal LightWHY: “Cool white light makes everything more monotone since there is no reflection on the skin,” Dumontet says. This makes skin appear more even and minimizes shine.BONUS: For a similar result, make sure lights are placed to the sides of the room (not above or below, which can create heavy shadows).

THE SCENARIO: DESERT SUNSETTRY: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant LightWHY: “Golden beige light has an orange cast that makes skin glow,” Dumontet says. “It picks up flecks of gold on the skin and gives it a believable warmth.”BONUS: Fake sunkissed radiance with a lavish chandelier that gives off orangey-gold tones.

THE SCENARIO: SHADOWY BARTRY: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim LightWHY: “This peachy-beige light is very flattering,” Dumontet says. “Details like pores and fine lines become altered and softened because light is coming from all angles.”BONUS: Mimic this effect with a string of fairy lights to blur imperfections and make skin look bright.

THE SCENARIO: CANDLELIT RESTAURANTTRY: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous LightWHY: “Because this shade is a blend of white and yellow—more white than yellow—it makes skin glow-y and look really juicy,” Dumontet says.BONUS: Scatter a several candles across the room for a subtle iridescent sparkle.